1123 BROADWAY

DECEMBER, 1914

(Continued from

All mechanics have a certain pride in their work. It is born in them and, with proper supervision, such mechanics will do almost anything within reason, but with slave-driving methods they cannot be induced to do their best work. This does not mean that they will shirk or waste time from pure spitefulness, but in many cases they will waste time or shirk from improper direction and application.

Many installations are poorly laid out so that the plans are often almost meaningless. In such cases, the workman is. expected to solve the problem for himself and, in doing so, he has to make frequent sketches to overcome certain conditions. In many cases these are unnecessary if the plans are well laid out in the first place. The writer has seen plans sent out on jobs that could not possibly be followed, the piping being arranged, for instance, so that it ran through stairways and in other impossible places.

There is also considerable judgment to be exercised by the workman in overcoming difficulties that could not be foreseen. Much of this, however, can be simplified by the use of a proper system. For instance, in the making of measurements for large pipe, etc., such as will have to be made at the shop, a form can be devised that will aid the fitter in lay

November issue.)

ing out his work and will also prevent additional work in the drafting-room to get the matter straightened out and place responsibility where it belongs.

FORM FOR PIPE SKETCHES.

To this end the form shown in Fig. 5 is submitted which should appeal to the contractor and to his workmen, and at the same time assist both and prevent loss of time and disputes.

The form is laid out in cross-section lines, eight to the inch, with an index at the top showing the eight and the half, or four, so that the lines can be easily recognized without too much counting. On these sheets can be laid out fairly accurately, the piping showing how it will look when cut. In the same manner, other sketches can be made for hangers, clamps, forgings, etc., so that they can be easily understood and the work correctly executed according to order.

The form could be mounted as a stiffly-backed pad, with the original form on the outside and with two blank sheets underneath of different colors. Thus by the use of carbons for each sheet, three copies may be obtained from one drawing. The original, of course, would be sent to the shop for office record, the second to the pipe-cutter or blacksmith, as

the case may require, and the third would be kept on the job for the workmen to check the delivery and verify the layout. Then, in case of a mistake, it can be easily traced.

This same sheet may also be used to advantage in ordering general materials, as there is plenty of room for a number of items. In this way it serves to prevent a multiplication of order sheets.

FORMS FOR RECORDING PROGRESS OF WORK.

Supervision and superintendence are essential to the development of all work, and, therefore, if the contractor employs labor for the superintendence of the installation, there should be some method of recording the progress so that in the

VAN PUSHER HEATING CO. 9 WATER ST., CORNERSTONE, IND. Date REPORT

supervision the contractor or his assistant, appointed for such work, may know from day to day, or at various periods, how the work is progressing.

Therefore, a duplicating form will appeal to many, which may be used either in the form of a book or loose-leaf folder, in which a record may be made so that the contractor's office has on file at all times a record and, if made in duplicate, the superintendent will have the same record.

With these records any disputes or complaints may be easily traced, while the ordinary method of word of mouth often leads to misunderstandings. A pocket-size note-book, with detachable pad, made up with the lined leaf, perforated for detachment, and a yellow underleaf fixed for use with a carbon sheet, will fill the bill. A stiff cover for the pad, with a clamp-holder, will be found the best. The pad may be plain or cross-section ruled. Also, if desired, the sheets can be printed with the contractor's name, which is advisable for proper identification. One of the most appropriate forms for this purpose is shown in Fig. 6.

This sheet is cross-ruled for convenience in case of sketches for elucidating some point that cannot be clearly stated and, as it is often necessary to have in hand reminders of the work so as to give proper directions on the job, by the use of this form the superintendent can aid the men on the job and have a record of his instructions. These sheets are valuable also where it is necessary to make modifiactions in the construction which will involve extra work and will be a record for extra charges and invoicing. Disputes often arise after work has been done, and, with the descriptions in these sheets, they can be clearly shown and identified.

FIG. 6-FORM FOR RECORDING PROGRESS OF WORK.

TYPICAL TIME CARDS.

There is another point that will require better attention than is usually given by contractors, such as a record of the time spent on a piece of work. As it is not always convenient to keep time-keepers on jobs, the contractor usually has to depend upon the workmen for a proper description of the work done covering the time sheet. If properly arranged, a sheet may

be evolved that will save considerable argument, especially with extra work. Therefore, the sheet shown in Fig. 7 may be used to advantage.

By the use of cards, like Fig. 7, it is possible to have a handy record of what is being done on the job. The card is so arranged that the fitter and helper can show where they spent their time without feeling that the supervision will cause disputes as to the amount of time they consume on some parts of the work, since the sheet will be a record of what they have done and, if any criticism is made, they can explain the difficulties and cause.

The card should be stiff and as tough as possible. The best material to use for this purpose is heavy manilla paper or a heavy rag paper or cardboard which will be easy to write on.

The use of the card is simple, as the sections can be ticked off, with the hours that have been spent on any item placed in the proper space. Thus, if two hours

are spent on one item and six hours on another, the sheet shows the total hours for that day.

Every job should have a number as well as a name and, if classed as extra work, the word "contract" can be scratched out. Also, in some cases, there will be additional orders on the same job; therefore, space is allowed for such additions to the job number, such as A. B, etc., as the case may be. If the work is done in the daytime the user scratches out "night," or vice versa, and signs under his occupation, such as helper or fitter, with the date ending the week on a Thursday, so that the payroll may be made up for payment on Friday.

Each man should have a card and sign it himself with his own signature. When on extra work, he should give a good description of the work on the back of the card for identification and, as noted in the instructions printed on the card. this way the work done is a record for

In